Christmas is a difficult time for some people. It can be especially difficult for the chronically ill. Trying to manage a life, a chronic illness and the added pressures of the holiday season can be overwhelming.

Most of us with chronic illnesses will tell you that we push ourselves 110% of the time to get anything accomplished. Every single thing in our lives takes more effort than it does for a normal person. Counting and collecting “spoons” is a daily reality.

Christmas- time of extra social gatherings, church or community functions, volunteering opportunities, extra chores like shopping for gifts, cleaning for parties and wrapping gifts can take a toll on our already struggling bodies.

How do we handle the holidays without losing our minds and making ourselves sicker?

1- Pace yourself.

Christmas can be celebrated ALL month long. There is no right or wrong timing. This is YOUR holiday season. You can enjoy it however you please.

2- Learn the magical word, “NO.”

You don’t have to attend every Christmas play. You don’t have to bake a hundred cookies. You don’t have to Christmas gift shop til you drop. You don’t have to volunteer at every nursing home or soup kitchen.

You want to ENJOY the holidays not ENDURE the holidays.

3- Prioritize.

You can do anything you want, but you can’t do everything.

Evaluate what is truly important to spend your spoons on.

You don’t have to go to your third cousin’s girlfriend’s Christmas pageant. Don’t let people make you feel guilty. You suffering through an event isn’t going to help your health situation.

Don’t set yourself up to be miserable because at the end of the day YOU are the one who has to live in your own skin. If you are hurting worse or triggering more symptoms that is a terrible price to pay. You will be the only one paying that price. The people who TRULY love you will understand when you say NO for the sake of your own health and well-being.

4- Don’t Rush.

Christmas time is about treasuring the true gifts in our lives; our loved ones. Focus on spending time with your family and friends instead of the hustle and bustle of commercialized Christmas.

5- Save your spoons

Take shortcuts where you can.

Buy the store bought pecan pie. Do online shopping.

Don’t spend 3 hours baking in the kitchen, wasting your spoons before the Christmas party you have to attend. Just show up with a store bought pie, no one will judge you….and if they do…..they don’t live with your illness…..who cares what they think!

Christmas is about creating memories, enjoying the magic of the season and spending time with loved ones.

The greatest gift you can give someone cannot be bought…. the greatest gift you can give is your TIME.

Treasure the little moments.

Merry Christmas <3

Wishing you all hope & healing. Love, Win <3

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